When the Buttery family acquired their McLaren Vale property there existed a 10-hectare barren piece of land that had been cleared for cattle grazing. Within this land there was a creek line overgrown with feral weeds and strewn with rubbish from past farming use. Steered by Melissa Brown (nee Buttery), the family and Gemtree team were determined to restore this area to natural bushland and vastly improve the biodiversity of their vineyards, contribute to the survival of local native species and ensure ecological balance was maintained on the property.

In 2001 they embarked on a project to clear the creek line of rubbish and woody weeds. Gemtree partnered with Greening Australia to develop the site, planting more than 50,000 native trees and shrubs. The site is now the Gemtree Eco Trail, a biodiverse haven for native birds, plants and animals. The Eco Trail has since become home to rescue emus Bio and Dyno, and a koala shelter has been built to house pre-release rescue koalas in partnership with Southern Koala Rescue.

From the Gemtree tasting room, friendly staff can direct visitors to the Gemtree Eco Trail. The trail is approximately one kilometre long and is a comfortable 15-20 minute walk meandering through the bushland, guided by information points. It’s open to the public daily, free to access and use of the playground and BBQ facilities is encouraged

DETAILS

• Distance: 1km
• Duration: 15-20 minutes
• Suitable for: Walking
  
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Terrain: Flat
  
• Access: Elliott Road, McLaren Flat

Please click here for more information.